At this year’s Global Good Awards, Amara Nwuneli, founder of the Nigerian climate education NGO ‘Preserve Our Roots,’ and Shri Akshayaa Lakshmikumar, founder of the women’s health nonprofit HERglobal, were named winners of the Canon Young Champion of the Year Award. These young leaders stood out for their contributions to climate action and women’s health advocacy, marking a significant achievement in youth-led activism.

Amara Nwuneli: Champion for Climate Action

Amara Nwuneli, winner of the Under 17 category, leads the NGO Preserve Our Roots, a youth-driven initiative focused on climate education. Amara was inspired to act after witnessing the destructive impact of flooding in Lagos, Nigeria. Her work involves rebuilding schools and raising awareness of climate issues while supporting marginalized communities lacking access to climate education. She emphasized the role of storytelling in driving youth-led change, stating, “I truly believe in the power of youth because I have seen with my own eyes the change I have been able to make.”

Shri Akshayaa Lakshmikumar: Leading Women’s Health Advocacy

Shri Akshayaa Lakshmikumar, who won the Under 25’s category, is the founder of HERglobal, an international nonprofit aimed at destigmatizing women’s health. Shri’s work primarily focuses on cervical cancer prevention in Uganda, where she has facilitated free screenings and HPV vaccinations for girls. HERglobal is known for its hands-on approach to health advocacy, ensuring its initiatives are accessible to rural communities. Shri is now expanding HERglobal’s impact to other countries.

Youth-Led Initiatives Driving Global Change

In addition to Amara and Shri, Jahaan Arora was named a joint winner in the Under 25 category for his work addressing hunger in India through the 1 Million Meals Programme. These young leaders have demonstrated the power of youth-driven action in solving some of the world’s most pressing issues.

The Canon Young Champion Award, now in its fifth year, recognizes youth leadership in sustainability through creative thinking and community-driven programs. Winners receive the Canon EOS R50 Content Creator Kit and participate in a masterclass with Canon Ambassador Laura El Tantawy to enhance their storytelling and communication skills.